The Communic8r is a defunct a bi-monthy Toronto rave publication created in 1995 by James and Neiland. Four issues with a circulation of 10,000 copies were distributed at raves and other related venues. Despite the magazine’s strong readership it fell victim to the lack of advertising dollars within a niche market and was discontinued at the end of 1995.  The remaining unpublished photography is slowly being added to a gallery on our facebook page.

The complete issues are now in PDF format and can be downloaded by clicking on the covers below.

The second project of preservation was our rare collection of mixtapes. These analog recordings are now older than we were when we acquired them, which was quite a scary thought. Even scarier was that they were diminishing in quality with every pass of the tape head. Out of desperation we turned to friend and DJ, Neven Brads, who unfortunately couldn’t turn back time, but was more than happy to digitally master the tapes. Listening very carefully while he digitized, the music inspired Nev to further enhance his own secret collection of rare vinyl from 1991 and beyond.

Uncontrollable nostalgic urges and the ease of online publishing inspired James to reincarnate The Communic8r in web 2.0 format: blogs, feeds and mp3s. The concept is unique, a “blogumentary” that will chronologically document Toronto’s rave scene beginning in 1991. Original written content will be complimented by rare recordings, photography and promotional materials.

A couple of times a year The Communic8r assembles a team of Toronto’s pioneering promoters and DJs to recreate an authentic original rave experience. Our first event on April 30th, 2010 shook the foundation of the legendary Cameron House. Stay tuned for more.

If you’re interested in participating in this project or have materials/music to donate please contact us.